He had last been seen at 9.50pm on Friday night and was expected home that night.

Detective Inspector Graeme Hendry said: "We are still in the early stages of trying to establish what happened to Michael and we believe motorists who were on the M9 around 9. 50pm on Friday night can be of assistance to us.

"Anyone who was travelling on the road at this time and remembers seeing anything that can help our investigation is asked to contact police on 101 immediately .

"Similarly, any driver or vehicle passenger who believes that they may have witnessed anything, or been involved in a collision in or around this time is also asked to come forward."